Don E. Lewis
Don E. Lewis, 67, passed away on July 31, 2020 in Houston, Texas. He was born on November 24, 1952 in Lufkin, Texas to Wayne L. Lewis and Argincie Henderson. Don attended (Lufkin) Dunbar High School, Class of 1971. After being drafted, Don fulfilled his two-year duty and commitment to the United States Army. Don earned a B.S. in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University, where he had the highest academic average in the Class of 1977 and was a part of The Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. After pharmacy school, Don went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University, where he was a part of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Don was also a member of the Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Don established and solely ran his law firm Don E. Lewis and Associates. He had a passion for all sports, and especially loved to duck hunt with his friends and family members. Don also shared his passion by coaching and refereeing youth basketball in the Houston, Texas City, and Galveston areas throughout his life. Don was preceded in death by his: parents, Wayne L. Lewis and Argincie Henderson; and brothers, Michael E. Lewis and John W. Lewis. Don is survived by his: wife of 42 years, Lauretta K. Lewis; sons, Keevin Lee and Armstead Lewis (Rachel); sister, Barbara Valerie (William); brother, Bill Lewis; grandchildren, Simone Lee and Sanaa Lee; and numerous family members and friends. A private Funeral Mass for Don’s family will take place at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, in the Clear Lake Area of Houston, Texas. Burial will take place at Anthony Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas. Serving as pallbearers in a labor of love will be: Floyd Booker, Glenn Brantley, Julius Childress, Keevin Lee, Bill Reynolds, and James Muldrow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Don Lewis’ memory may do so to C.H.A.M.P. (Changing Hearts and Mind Program) www.champ.vet.
My wife Kayla and I had the honor to meet and get to know Don and his lovely wife, Lauretta in 2017. Don’s warm smile, relaxing demeanor, and humility of a gentleman made him very approachable. Don shared a passion for helping our fellow veterans and we connected in that area. Don loved jazz music, especially live jazz and he and Lauretta attended several jazz events featuring saxophonist Dean James as well as jazz guitarist Mike Fageros and their trios. Lastly, Don was a dedicated family man. I recall how happy and in love he and Lauretta were when Kayla and I would see and talk to them at various events. He was a proud father and he spoke highly of his children’s education and accomplishments, beaming with pride. Don’s legacy and impact with continue in all of us. My wife and I, with Lauretta’s blessing, have renamed our veteran organization’s annual community award in Don’s honor. The award is now the “Don Lewis CHAMP Champion Award” given annually to unsung heroes making an impact in communities in America as well as around the world. May God provide comfort to Don’s family at this time, and until we meet again with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, RIP Brother Don.
In Agape Love,
Sam and Kayla Alix
Teacher, and made us laugh while being straight to the point, thank you for the light and always willing to help when needed.
My deepest condolences to you Loretta and your family. Dr. Lewis will be greatly missed.
Don Lewis literally changed my life as a young black man with great knowledge about how the legal system works. Also he inspired me with the love he had for his family, he was always so proud of his son! Also a great family friend to my father James McGinty I know they are both having a glorious reunion along with our past loved ones. Condolences to the Lewis family. Mr. Don was truly an inspiration.
Don you have always been there when I needed you for advice are any personal legal information for me and my family you will be deeply missed God loves you and I know you will be okay now rest in peace and yo Loretta Lewis I love you and your family
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Laureate Lewis and the rest of the Lewis family. Mr. Lewis was not only an exceptional instructor in pharmacy law but an advocate for minorities in pharmacy. The family will be lifted in my prayers during this difficult time.
A beautiful man of mind, heart and spirit. His hand was always open to be of assistance to anyone in need. May the Lord’s peace and blessings be with the family and all who called Don a friend.
I am going to miss Dr Don Lewis tremendously. I met Dr. Lewis as a teacher in pharmacy school. From that day until about six months ago he continued to stay in my life as a mentor, a leader but mainly a lawyer. He gave me advice that stem from helping me with my son and his education to how to handle my supervisors at CVS when they were giving me problems. The help continued when I opened my pharmacy. He was very instrumental in getting me on the right track.So when I say I’m going to miss him please believe me. I miss him already. My prayers will be with his wife and his children. God bless
Don was always available to answer questions. His class and demeanor immediately put you at ease. As a fellow Pharmacist, his insight into the practice was to the point. Working with Lauretta, you knew how much love for family they had. He will be missed now, but his legacy will live eternally..
Dr. Lewis was a great professor. I can always remember him saying “just take the ride, and I’ll beat the rap”. He encouraged and taught. He was stern, but with a smile. He always made me think. He will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to his entire family.
COPHS class of 1998
Wow this is a shock for me. Don you’re surely going to be missed. You were always there for me when I needed legal advice and you always steered me in the right direction. R.I.P.
Don we will truly miss you. Everyone at Mercury Drive Pharmacy have fond memories of you. He was always there for us for whatever we needed.We send our sincere condolences to his family. We will keep in you in our prayers.
My deepest condolences and heart goes out to Lauretta and the rest of the family. I will always remember Don’s smile and friendly personality. He would stop off by the Mercury Drive Pharmacy and chat with his bro-in-law James Muldrow and late friend James Mcginty. The last time I saw Don at the home going service of his childhood friend Hoover Morris. He took it hard and we talked. Don really cared about people and loved them. He always had a positive attitude and I am going to miss him.
(My deepest condolences to Lauretta and the rest of the family. I just want you know I will always remember Don’s smile and the loved he showed to so many people. I remember would stop by Mercury Drive and chat and laugh with his late friend James Mcginty and his bro-in-law James Muldrow. The last time I saw Don was at the home going service of his childhood friend Hoover Morris and we talked. He really loved Hoover. I am going to miss that warm smile and caring personality.)
My prayer is for the family to make it through without too much despair knowing that you have shared a beautiful soul with us and God has called an angel home. He was a wonderful pharmacy law instructor at TSU COPHS. I will always remember him say to us “Believe it or not, you are getting a good education here” and he was right mainly because of instructors like himself. You will be missed.
So sad to hear about Dr. Lewis. I remember him being a chaperone on our trip to Eli Lilly and being a wonderful law teacher. For years and still sometimes I say “don’t massage it,” as he would say when discussing business and laws. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lewis family.
So sorry for your lost Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal .Be Blessed Keeping you all in my prayers. Marsha Nichols.
I’m so very grateful and thankful to God for having had Dr Don Lewis in my life. He was truly a blessing to me and my family and an extraordinary teacher, lawyer and a friend. No matter what time you called upon him he always responded back to give a helping on what did best . Dr Lewis you have been our angel here on earth you will be deeply missed. Thank you to you lovely wife Lauretta and family for sharing your greatest a precious jewel with us. He will never be forgotten RIP 😇❤️
My sincerest sympathy to the family of Dr Lewis. He was the reason I have respected the laws of pharmacy and practiced with dignity and respect. Dr Lewis taught in a way you understood the importance of protecting your license once you received it.
We all had a chuckle or two. He will be missed and his pharmacy legacy will live on.
Thanks for sharing him with us, we a better because of him.
COPHS 98’
Vernita (Vee) Barnes
May God give you all peace and comfort at this time of bereavement,knowing God is with you all always, Kimberlyn Collins, BSpharm,RPh
My deepest condolences to Lauretta, Armi and family. I hardly know where to begin. As classmates at TSU COPHS, a dedicated group of friends had evolved. Don, Dale, Lauretta and I seemed to be inseparable and our friendship never ended. My wife and I made the trip to Houston from St Louis two years ago. Don and Lauretta had figured that we were in town for some special event. It was indeed special, because we came there just to visit with them. Sadly, we are now without Don and Dale. Donald Earl was a strong, silent, and private man. He was a GOOD man and very respectable. Don was our leader. In our last year of pharmacy school, Don cut his “natural” and shaved off his beard. Of course Dale and I followed suit and did likewise. It was surprising to find out how much the “quiet man” loved playing sports and hunting. Thank you Lauretta for calling me. Now I understand why I hadn’t heard from either of you. Although I have lost my friend, I’ll forever celebrate our friendship. We will always remember our last visit with you and Don. May Heavenly Blessings be with you and your family.
The Class of 1971 Lufkin High School send their condolences to the family of Don E.Lewis.We will miss him and the smile he greeted everyone he met.Don will be greatly miss by everyone in our class.
I wish to express with respect and sincerity on behalf of myself and family our deepest condolences to the family of Don Lewis. We met Don through my late husband James McGinty (Mercury Drive Pharmacy) and his brother-in-law James Muldrow (Mercury Drive Pharmacy). His friendship and professional services that he has provided to our business and family were outstanding. He will be deeply missed and remembered as a kind, humble, respectable, man of integrity. It appears that men of his kind are gone away from this earth far too soon. He always spoke to us about the love he had for his family with a joyful pride. May the God of Peace and Comfort be with all of you at this time. We will be keeping the family in our prayers! 🌹❤️🙏
This is so hard to believe ! Sending our deepest condolences to Lauretta and family from Paul and Elizabeth Thomas . Don was like the family Lawyer he helped everyone with any legal questions or issues. He will be missed by many . RIH Don until we all meet again .
Loretta, I wish you and your family my deepest
condolences . My prayers are extended to all of you.
Prayerfully,
Your L.S.
My sincere condolence and prayers to the Lewis Family. Dr Lewis was a my law professor at TSU COPHS C/O 98 and also dear friend to my Father Donald Rogers (c/o76 ) who also passed away a few months ago. Rest in heaven !
Dearest Lauretta and family,
Words cannot adequately express how saddened we are to hear about the loss of Don. We are so glad that we were able to meet him–he was a wonderful man. Please know that we will miss him dearly and mourn alongside your family. Keeping you and your family close to our hearts and lifted up in prayer. Rest in Peace, Don!
Love,
Josefine and the Haynes-Battle family
My instructor, my mentor, my lawyer, my friend. I will miss you dearly as will my family, partners and pharmacy school classmates. You were an example of excellence in all areas on all levels. Your memory will be cherished by all who had an honor to know you. My sincere condolences to Dr. Lewis’ family and friends.
Prayers and condolences to the Lewis family. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Prayers and condolences to the Lewis family. May God give you peace and comfort you during this difficult time.
Praying for the family of Don Lewis! Class of 1971!
I was so very sad to hear of your husband’s passing, Lauretta. Thinking and praying for you and your family at this very trying time.
My sincere condolences to the Lewis family. I will always remember Dr. Lewis as my Pharmacy Law professor in pharmacy school who encouraged and inspired us to be the best at what we do with dignity, class and professionalism. He was a role model in representing those qualities.
RIP
Dr. Don E. Lewis, RPh, Esq.
I met Don through coaching AAU basketball , with his easy demeanor and that infectious laugh ,that quality made him so easy to approach, I will miss my friend, my partner, my brother . Rest In Peace my brother !
My name is Randolph Rogers. Good afternoon to everyone. Don and I friendship goes all the way back to Dunbar high school and competed for Quarterback position after D.C Nobles. Don had a come and competitive nature doing this time. I was able to absorb this lesson through his approaches and still use it today. He would say, (we don’t have to be enemies in competition. Let the best man win and still be friends). He had a realistic viewpoint in life. We really miss you my brother.
My prayers are with the family,he was a great Gulf Coast Official,we did plenty of games together! Rest in peace my friend!
A great man will be missed i enjoyed alot of good times shooting with Mr. Lewis his laugh was contageous and his advice was always golden.
Lauretta, we offer our deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God keep you strong and
united through this tough time.
Melvin and Barbara Barnes
My condolences to his family, friends and love ones.
Don was a man Known for his kind spirit and loving heart. A true gentleman, scholar and a wonderful friend. He served as the President of our 1977 Texas Southern University School of Pharmacy Graduation Class.He was a member of “The Fiends”,a pharmacy group which he was instrumental in organizing and setting up the scholarship funds from the annual scholarship events.Don was in constant contact with many of his class members both in his personal and professional life. He was a great leader and mentor.He will forever Live within our hearts.
TSU School of Pharmacy Graduating Class of 1977
My condolences to the Lewis’s family I had the pleasure of working with him with the Gulf Coast and he was very very inspirational to me as a referee and a person he’ll be missed .
My sincerest sympathy to the Lewis family. Don was such a good role model. I have such fond memories of sitting in the stands watching our sons ( Armie and Fulton) playing basketball throughout the years. It was a joy knowing him.
I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family.
We can’t say enough about the loss and the how much he will be missed. My husband still remembers the first time he met the extended family at Christmas in Texas. Don was actually the first person he met. Don welcomed him like he had known him his whole life. It put my husband at ease and set him up for becoming a member of one of the most loving families imaginable. As for me, my Uncle Don was there from the beginning. Growing up when I wasn’t at home or with my grandparents, I was at his house. When I think of my uncle, what I can’t help but consider first and foremost is his character and conviction. It was seen in his values, his humor, and his generosity. Although we’re now parted, a legacy persists in the family and friends that will forever remember and forever be better because of Don. I’ll miss him dearly, but when I think of him I will always smile knowing the privilege I had to call him family. Rest in peace. Rest in power.
Don was my Law Professor at TSU COPHS C/O 96. Don E. Lewis was an individual who left impressions of his life imbedded in the lives of others. He would continue to provide mentorship from time to time over the years. He has provided legal advice as well. One of his mantra’s “If it isn’t documented, it wudn’t done” has provided value in many areas of life. In discussions, if I went a little too left with a position on something, Don would smile, wave his hand in a dismissive way and say “Don’t massage it”. Decades ago, the man took the time out to teach me how to drive a manual speed transmission. My prayers to Don’s family and everyone affected by this loss.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”… Thomas Campbell. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to know and love Don and his family. Certainly Don’s spirit will continue to rest in our everyday lives. In my readings it says henceforth they rest from their labor and their works do follow them. Rest my friend I’ll see you again.
Condolences to the family. Don and I were classmates in elementary and high School.
I was sorry to hear about your husband. He was a very congenial individual and that smile was a winner. I will continue praying for your family as we all go thru these trials and tribulations. Stay strong safe. And remember, GOD is with you always.
Best regards,
Respect and sympathy to the Lewis family. Lauretta please accept my condolences. Don is so pleasant and his smile is memorable.The family gathering on Holy Days will be a remembrance for his eternal presence.
Don was my friend and my adopted undocumented cousin from Lufkin (my dad is a Pretty gross Lufkin) I am so sad to hear that he has passed it really hurts my heart. My condolences to his family. He was a very good man and he worked hard and he fought the good fight. He was a mentor and a wonderful person. May God bless his soul. :_(
I am saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Don Lewis. He was a kind and understanding
gentleman. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
so sad to hear the passing of Don Lewis,my instructor , my lawyer and my friend.I will miss you dearly Don as will my family, your memory will be cherrished by all who had the honor to know you. my sinsere condolence to Don Lewis family and friends.
Dr Bede Nduka and family.
To Mrs. Lewis and family,
Please know I am praying for you during this time. Comfort, healing, fond memories, and the love you all shared with Attorney Lewis will forever resonate in your hearts.
God Bless All of You!
Attorney Lewis, you were a true inspiration, encourager, and an honorable human being. My brother Chris and I will miss you tremendously. No more out of the blue calls from me from time-to-time asking questions or seeking counsel and wisdom.
Although we did not talk frequently, your impact on my life has been tremendous. As I move to the next chapter in my life, I hear you saying, “You can do it Tamika and it is well worth the pursuit.” Even when I said I was too old to go back to school, you encouraged me and finally, I have enough belief in God and in myself to do just that.
Thank you, kind sir!
Rest in Heaven Attorney Lewis, Resting in Heaven!